REPORT | Under-18s blow away Bristol Rovers

The Young Glovers dominated from start to finish to pick up a 3-0 win against local rivals Bristol Rovers in the EFL Youth Alliance.

In a completely dominant opening 45 minutes, Town ensured the three points would be staying in Somerset with three first-half goals.

Gabby Rogers, featuring after travelling with the first-team to Mansfield at the weekend, netted the opener before Neville Nzembela and Tyrique Clarke put the hosts into a commanding position.

That proved to complete the scoring, as the second half proved to be little more than a formality.

Returning to EFL Youth Alliance action at home for the first time in 2019, Terry Moore was able to name a strong-looking starting eleven with Daniel Ojo, Gabby Rogers and Devon Arnold - all of whom have spent time in recent weeks with the first-team - available for selection.

After a confident start, Rogers brought the first save of the game when his curling free-kick from 25 yards had to be tipped behind for a corner.

Minutes later, Rogers almost turned provider when his corner was met by Nzembela, who could only direct his header over the bar.

Sensing an opening goal was coming the green and whites continued to press and only a smart stop denied Nzembela once again.

Hong Wan's ball over the top perfectly found the run of the striker who saw his strike well saved.

But, just before the half-hour mark, Town took the lead.

Lewis Dix's shot was blocked but sat up nicely for Rogers whose first-time strike from inside the box nestled in the back of the net after going in off the post.

Looking to turn their dominance into further goals, the lead was doubled on 39 minutes.

Good work from Arnold saw him engineer space for a shot in the box, with Nzembela on hand a few yards out to stab home his strike partner's effort.

Putting the game to bed, substitute Clarke produced a cool finish on the stroke of half-time to ensure the three points.

After the break the hosts' control on the game remained and despite half-chances for substitute Ben Hughes and a further strike from Rogers, there was to be no further joy in front of goal.

Goalkeeper Kacper Kowalczyk remained a spectator and collected his easiest clean sheet of the season as the Young Glovers returned to winning ways.